I get aroused

[Schoolspeedo]

Originally Posted by Torchwatch

The problems occur between the changing rooms and the pool in new speedos, and after trying on something new and exciting in a shop and standing at the till, with the suit in your hands, hoping the assistant won't notice.
The beach is ok as you can turn over on your towel if you are lying down or dash into the sea if it is close enough.
Judge your "audience" decide whether they will approve or object to your appearance.
The only long time "cure" is to go to a gay sauna where you could get used to being seen in a state of excitement and not be objected to.

I'm not bothered if the shop assistant notices that I'm buying something skimpy and hope they might mention the product. However I pine for the days when you could go into a shop, feel through the skimpy swimwear on the racks, select one or more and try on. Not many shops around sadly.

[Torchwatch]

Independent sports shops used to be like candy stores, if you were a runner as well as a swimmer there would be racks of short, split, shiny nylon shorts and skimpy, stretchy swim briefs in all colours and patterns.
You'd go in wanting a pair of running shorts and come out with 2 pairs in different colours and some swim briefs as well, it was easy to start a collection simply because there was always something new.
I you were used to wearing running shorts or the short and shiny nylon square cut football shorts of the late 70s and early 80s wearing speedos for swimming was sensible, and they looked good.
The French brand Hom were stocked in British sports shops and if you liked your speedos you could try their bikini briefs and wonder about a thong.
In the Sunday papers there's be adverts for Kiniki and you wonder how to get them delivered past your parents.
The chain stores have taken over the sports market, shorts are just above knee height in 3 colours (unless you want soccer club outfits at great price), black or navy Speedo or Adidas swim briefs hang on a rack looking lonely, three pairs in each size replaced next day from the warehouse should you dare buy them.

[Minimalist75]

True, but there are plenty of very short shorts including some with split sides and very brief swimwear available on line.

[singletlover]

I miss the 70's and early 80's. Sports stores and mail catalogs were named packed with some wonderful wearable fun items. That time was the start of my large, now scaled down, collection.

[Torchwatch]

Buying online is not the same as going to a shop/store hunting through the stock for the item that seems just right. You can see them holding them up to the light, touch them feel the weave and the weight, and then to actually try them on.
The changing rooms were always dodgy, you couldn't trust the locks but you could pose in the mirror.
Sometimes you'd see boys with their mum's trying on speedos or shorts then coming out of the changing room to pose. Buying sportswear can be a family affair.
Trying on swim briefs should have that wow effect when you look in the mirror, perhaps your first swim briefs were black or navy but there is the dare and excitement of trying on something more colourful or brightly patterned or more skimpy. When you try them on if you don't go wow, they're the wrong ones.
Having made your choice with the swim briefs in one hand and cash in the other (never use a credit card to buy anything personal in a shop) and hope that the assistant at the till doesn't notice your "excitement" as you hand over both product and cash.
When you visited another town or even another country there were always sports shops to explore for something a little different.